CHANDI 2025: Cultural Heritage Facing Real Climate Threats Revealed
JAKARTA climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also a real threat to cultural heritage. This surfaced in the Discussion of Panel 4 CHANDI 2025 entitled 'Responding the Climate Risk to Heritage and Fostering Culture-Based Climate Action' which was held at The Meru, Denpasar, Bali, Wednesday, September 3.
Professor R. Michael Feener from Kyoto University opened discussions with research findings in South Asia. He gave an example of Fondo Island in the Maldives, which in the last two decades disappeared, leaving ceramic shards as the last trace. "Climate change is not just accelerating environmental damage. It removes archaeological sites, cultural practices, and even community identities," said Feener.
A similar view came from Dr. Wengki Ariando, a KITLV researcher. He highlighted the increasingly marginalized community of sea people in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Their legacy is living heritage. Not just relics, but the knowledge and practices that are still alive," he explained. Wengki reminded the importance of respecting the diversity of marine life patterns, from those who still live on boats to living on the coast.
Dewa Ayu Prisma Dewi from BALIDOC Film added a creative perspective. He uses the films and traditions of Balinese children's songs, Gending Rare, to instill climate awareness from an early age. "Children are easier to remember through singing. Tradition can be a way to save the environment," he said.
SEE ALSO:
Meanwhile, Bima Maulana Putra from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia displayed a documentary film The Menbai about sacred rituals of taking guava in Riau. Traditions will not be swallowed away by the earth, will not be swept away by the waves," he said, confirming the power of local wisdom.
BRIN's Herry Yogaswara closed the discussion by reminding that rising sea levels, floods and forest fires are serious threats. "Climate action must be rooted in culture. Without it, our legacy can disappear," he concluded.